Novak Djokovic Is The Only Player In The World's Top 100 Not To Be Vaccinated
Novak Djokovic is the only men's player in the world's top 100 rankings not to get the vaccine, but he could still play at Wimbledon this year.
Djokovic's vaccine status is well known to the entire world, after the fiasco he had attempting to get into Australia for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
The Serbian was eventually deported from the country, despite arguments from his fans, family and even Nigel Farage for some unknown reason, and missed out on becoming the first man to reach 21 Grand Slam titles.
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The fact his rival Rafael Nadal beat him to that mark, by winning the Australian Open, had led to hope that Djokovic would finally get the jab.
On Tuesday he dispelled any hope of that, saying he was willing to 'pay the price' of not winning any more slams, if it meant not getting the vaccine.
Now it's been revealed he is the only member of the top 100 men's rankings not to be jabbed, with an ATP spokesperson telling the Times that 99% of elite players had been given it.
Last year at the US Open it's believed the take up on the tour of the vaccination was around 60% but the Australian Open's rules have clearly had a positive effect on the take up.
Players weren't allowed to get into the country unless they'd been vaccinated or managed to get a medical exemption on specific grounds.
Djokovic was initially given such an exemption but then when his reason was questioned it soon fell apart and he wasn't allowed to compete.
Whilst it looks likely that he will miss the French Open, it's expected that the Serb will be able to play at Wimbledon in the summer.
The All England Club haven't confirmed their rules yet but it's likely to reflect the rules of getting into England, which will just mean the defending champion having to test negative before and after arrival, and only quarantining if he tests positive.
Despite missing the Australian Open, and not being able to defend his ranking points from winning the title in 2021, Djokovic remains the world number one.
He is set to return to competition at the Dubai Championships next week but even if he wins he is likely to lose his run of 86 weeks in-a-row of being the top ranked male player.
If Daniil Medvedev, who lost the final in Melbourne to Nadal, has a good week at the Acapulco Open in Mexico, happening at the same time as the Dubai tournament, then he will reach the summit for the first time in his career.
Even if the Russian doesn't reach the top next week then he will have plenty more opportunities with Djokovic's participation in the US tournaments and clay court season in Europe in some doubt.
Topics: Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon, Tennis
Ryan Sidle